Dynamics of Pure and Mixed Populations of Desmodium glutinosum and D. nudiflorum in Natural Oak-forest Communities

Abstract

A planimetric technique was used to locate individuals of Desmodium glutinosum and D. nudiflorum in pure and mixed populations. In mixed plots the species were significantly segregated from each other. The two species do not differ significantly in percent recruitment in pure or mixed plots. Seedlings are the most important source of new individuals into populations of D. nudiflorum. D. nudiflorum had significantly higher mortality in the presence of D. glutinosum, but the mortality of D. glutinosum was independent of the presence of D. nudiflorum. Smaller (younger) plants of both species had higher mortality than larger (older) plants in all plots, and most individuals were lost during the dormant period (overwinter). Transplanted individuals of both species grew significantly less when placed near congeners. Transplants of both species grew least when planted near D. glutinosum. D. glutinosum is capable of replacing D. nudiflorum in this region when they are found together.